EP3434080B1 - Cold plasma device for treating a surface - Google Patents
Cold plasma device for treating a surface Download PDFInfo
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- EP3434080B1 EP3434080B1 EP17711230.7A EP17711230A EP3434080B1 EP 3434080 B1 EP3434080 B1 EP 3434080B1 EP 17711230 A EP17711230 A EP 17711230A EP 3434080 B1 EP3434080 B1 EP 3434080B1
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- Prior art keywords
- cold plasma
- air flow
- generator
- treatment
- controller
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/042—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating using additional gas becoming plasma
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/0005—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts
- A61L2/0011—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts using physical methods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/14—Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
- H05H1/24—Generating plasma
- H05H1/2406—Generating plasma using dielectric barrier discharges, i.e. with a dielectric interposed between the electrodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00005—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe
- A61B2018/00011—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe with fluids
- A61B2018/00017—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe with fluids with gas
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00571—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for achieving a particular surgical effect
- A61B2018/00577—Ablation
- A61B2018/00583—Coblation, i.e. ablation using a cold plasma
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/064—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
- A61B2090/065—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension for measuring contact or contact pressure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/11—Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/14—Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2240/00—Testing
- H05H2240/10—Testing at atmospheric pressure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2240/00—Testing
- H05H2240/20—Non-thermal plasma
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2245/00—Applications of plasma devices
- H05H2245/30—Medical applications
- H05H2245/34—Skin treatments, e.g. disinfection or wound treatment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2245/00—Applications of plasma devices
- H05H2245/30—Medical applications
- H05H2245/36—Sterilisation of objects, liquids, volumes or surfaces
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2245/00—Applications of plasma devices
- H05H2245/40—Surface treatments
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2277/00—Applications of particle accelerators
- H05H2277/10—Medical devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H2277/00—Applications of particle accelerators
- H05H2277/14—Portable devices
Definitions
- an air flow may be beneficial during the cold plasma treatment (for example pushing reactive species toward the surface), and after the cold plasma generator is switched off the air flow acts to dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma and any other odorous volatiles.
- the controller may be configured to increase the power of the air flow generator when said treatment has been completed.
- the treatment there may be an air flow that urges reactive species toward the surface, and after the treatment has been completed the rate of the air flow may be increased to dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma. Therefore, the different air flows are used to help the cold plasma treatment and to dissipate any remaining by-products.
- the air flow generator In this way, it is possible to control the air flow generator differently depending on whether the treatment head is positioned against the surface, is proximate to the surface, or is spaced more significantly from the surface.
- the air flow generator generates an air flow over the surface immediately after the treatment head has been removed from the surface. In this way, the by-products are dissipated while the cold plasma device is still proximate to the surface.
- the controller is configured to control operation of the air flow generator to generate an air flow over said surface after said cold plasma generator has been switched off and after the sensor detects that the treatment head has been removed from said surface.
- the air flow generator may be adapted to generate a flow of air away from said surface.
- the cold plasma device may further comprise a filter arranged to filter said air flow.
- the cold plasma generator may be mounted in the treatment head, and the treatment head may be adapted such that during treatment the cold plasma generator is proximate to, and spaced from, said surface.
- the cold plasma generator may comprise an aperture or a number of apertures through which the air flow generated by the air flow generator can pass.
- the cold plasma device may further comprise a duct arranged to guide the air flow generated by the air flow generator, and the duct may bypasses the cold plasma generator and may comprise an aperture disposed within the treatment head. It is further possible to provide a second aperture in the handle of the device so that air can be sucked in through the second aperture and mixed with the air sucked in via the treatment head to dilute the air sucked in via the treatment head.
- the cold plasma device 13 of FIG. 1 comprises a housing 4 that holds a cold plasma generator 14.
- the cold plasma device 13 further includes a spacer element 5 that, when the cold plasma device 13 is in use, acts to space the cold plasma generator 14 from the surface 6 being treated.
- the spacer element 5 effectively constitutes a treatment head that is placed against the surface 6 during use of the device 13.
- the spacer element 5 may not be placed in contact with the surface 6 during use of the device 13, but rather held a distance from the surface 6.
- the term cold plasma is used to describe plasmas at an ion temperature that is less than about 100 degrees Celsius, and is therefore suitable for use on and around people, particularly on skin.
- the ion temperature is the temperature of the ions and the neutral molecules after being thermalized.
- the ionization level is about one molecule in one million. Therefore by collisions with other molecules ions reach thermal equilibrium, i.e. they are thermalized. In the treatment of skin, the temperature rise will be at maximum a few degrees. However, for cleaning other surfaces more energy can be used and the temperature can reach 100 degrees.
- the cold plasma generator 14 may have an alternative structure.
- US20140147333 describes two alternative arrangements of cold plasma generators.
- a first example is a surface micro discharge cold plasma generator in which the dielectric material fills the entire space between the first and second electrodes.
- Another example is a self-sterilizing surface cold plasma generator, in which the first and second electrodes are embedded in dielectric material, and so the filaments are emitted from a surface of the dielectric material.
- the fan 8 is located at an end 16 of the housing 4 which is opposite to the spacer element 5, and that end 16 of the housing is provided with an inlet 7 to permit air to flow from the fan 8 through the end 16 of the housing 4 to atmosphere (or vice versa).
- the end 16 of the housing 4 adjacent to the fan 8 may be provided with a protective grid having multiple inlets 7 that permit air flow while protecting the fan 8.
- the cold plasma device 13 of these examples is provided with an internal casing 12 that defines a duct, similar to that of FIG. 5 .
- the duct extends past the peripheral edge of the cold plasma generator 14 so that the air flow bypasses the cold plasma generator 14.
- One or more openings 11 are provided in the end of the duct, in this example between the internal casing 12 and the spacer element 5, so that air can flow between the surface 6 being treated and the fan 8.
- controller 9 is configured to control operation of the air flow generator 8 such that the air flow generator 8 generates an air flow over the surface 6 being treated after the treatment has been completed.
- the air flow will not disturb the cold plasma treatment process by dissipating the reactive species before they have had a chance to interact with the surface 6, but the air flow will act to dissipate the by-products of the cold plasma after the cold plasma treatment has ended.
Description
- This disclosure relates to a cold plasma device for treating a surface with cold plasma.
- It is known to use a cold plasma device to disinfect objects. A cold atmospheric plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are biologically active and able to inactivate bacteria.
- In particular,
US20090206062 discloses a hand held plasma spray device that generates a cold atmospheric plasma and uses a fan to blow the resultant reactive species out of a nozzle and towards an object to be treated. - It is to be noted that
US20130345620 discloses a device for treating a skin surface with cold plasma. The device according to this disclosure may comprise a gas flow during the application of the cold plasma to assist the treatment. - It is further to be noted that DEI02009002278 discloses a device for treating skin using a combination of ultrasound and cold plasma in which the treatment head defines an enclosed volume between the skin and the cold plasma generating electrodes which volume might be filled with a fluid either during or after the plasma treatment.
- Such cold plasma treatments create by-products, for example the remaining reactive species - e.g. ozone and nitrogen dioxide. These by-products may be undesirable.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a cold plasma device for treating a surface which substantially alleviates or overcomes one or more of the problems mentioned above.
- The invention is defined by the independent claim. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a cold plasma device for treating a surface with cold plasma, according to
claim 1. - In addition to dissipating the by-products, the air flow will also disperse any odorous volatiles, in particular those produced by bacteria on a skin surface.
- Completion of treatment may occur when the cold plasma device is moved partially or completely away from a treatment surface, as detected by, for example, a proximity sensor, or when it is moved out of contact with the treatment surface, as detected by, for example, a contact sensor, even if the cold plasma generator is still operational. Alternatively, completion of treatment may occur when the cold plasma generator is switched off.
- If the cold plasma device were used to inactivate bacteria on skin (for example a deodorising device), then the air flow will dissipate remaining odorous by-products of the cold plasma.
- The controller may be configured to control the air flow generator to generate an air flow over said surface only after said treatment has been completed.
- In this way, the cold plasma treatment takes place without an air flow, which may be beneficial, but an air flow is provided to dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma treatment after the treatment has been completed.
- The controller may be configured to control the air flow generator to generate an air flow over said surface during said treatment.
- In this example, an air flow may be beneficial during the cold plasma treatment (for example pushing reactive species toward the surface), and after the cold plasma generator is switched off the air flow acts to dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma and any other odorous volatiles.
- The controller may be configured to alter an operating characteristic of the air flow generator after said treatment has been completed.
- Therefore, an air flow can be generated during the treatment to help the cold plasma treatment, and the air flow after the treatment has been completed will dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma.
- The controller may be configured to increase the power of the air flow generator when said treatment has been completed.
- For example, during the treatment there may be an air flow that urges reactive species toward the surface, and after the treatment has been completed the rate of the air flow may be increased to dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma. Therefore, the different air flows are used to help the cold plasma treatment and to dissipate any remaining by-products.
- The controller may be configured to reverse the direction of the air flow generator after said treatment has been completed.
- For example, the controller may be configured to control the air flow generator to generate an air flow toward the surface during treatment, and to control the air flow generator to generate an air flow away from the surface after said treatment has been completed.
- In this way, during treatment the air flow will urge reactive species towards the skin, but after the treatment has been completed the air flow will suck remaining by-products of the cold plasma away from the surface to dissipate them.
- The cold plasma device may further comprise a sensor adapted to detect when the treatment head is positioned in contact with or proximate to said surface, the controller being configured to switch on the cold plasma generator in response to a signal from the sensor.
- In this way, the cold plasma device may only be switched on when the treatment head is in an appropriate position relative to the surface.
- The cold plasma device may further comprise a sensor adapted to detect when the treatment head is positioned in contact with or proximate to said surface, and the controller may be configured to control operation of the air flow generator to generate an air flow over said surface after the sensor detects that the treatment head has been removed from said surface.
- In this way, it is possible to control the air flow generator differently depending on whether the treatment head is positioned against the surface, is proximate to the surface, or is spaced more significantly from the surface. In one example, the air flow generator generates an air flow over the surface immediately after the treatment head has been removed from the surface. In this way, the by-products are dissipated while the cold plasma device is still proximate to the surface.
- The controller may be configured to control operation of the air flow generator to generate an air flow over said surface after said cold plasma generator has been switched off.
- In this way, the air flow is generated to disperse by-products after the cold plasma treatment has been completed.
- In another example, the controller is configured to control operation of the air flow generator to generate an air flow over said surface after said cold plasma generator has been switched off and after the sensor detects that the treatment head has been removed from said surface.
- Therefore, the controller may determine when the treatment has been completed in three ways:
- when the treatment head has been removed from the surface;
- when the cold plasma generator has been switched off; or
- when the cold plasma generator has been switched off and when the treatment head has been removed from the surface.
- The air flow generator may be adapted to generate a flow of air towards said surface.
- Air flow towards the surface will dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma by blowing them away from the surface.
- The air flow generator may be adapted to generate a flow of air away from said surface.
- Air flow away from the surface will dissipate remaining by-products of the cold plasma by sucking them away from the surface.
- The cold plasma device may further comprise a filter arranged to filter said air flow.
- The filter may be positioned to remove by-products from the air flow. In this way, any by-products are removed from the vicinity of the surface. Instead, or in addition to a filter, the cold plasma device may comprise a reservoir to store the air for a period long enough for the by-products to decay.
- The cold plasma generator may be mounted in the treatment head, and the treatment head may be adapted such that during treatment the cold plasma generator is proximate to, and spaced from, said surface.
- Such an arrangement is preferable because the spacing allows the reactive species to reach the treated surface more uniformly.
- The cold plasma generator may comprise an aperture or a number of apertures through which the air flow generated by the air flow generator can pass.
- In this way, the air flow is directed through the area in which the cold plasma is generated, which is effective for dissipating remaining by-products of the cold plasma.
- The cold plasma device may further comprise a duct arranged to guide the air flow generated by the air flow generator, and the duct may bypasses the cold plasma generator and may comprise an aperture disposed within the treatment head. It is further possible to provide a second aperture in the handle of the device so that air can be sucked in through the second aperture and mixed with the air sucked in via the treatment head to dilute the air sucked in via the treatment head.
- In this way, the air flow can act to displace or suck the remaining by-products of the cold plasma, effectively dissipating them. By ducting the air flow, it is accelerated and so the by-products are removed more quickly from the treatment area. A duct that bypasses the cold plasma generator will also protect internal parts, such as the electronics, of the device from reactive by-products. The controller may be configured to control the air flow generator such that an air flow over said surface is maintained for a fixed time period after said cold plasma generator has been switched off.
- This provides a simple solution for determining when the air flow generator should be switched off after the cold plasma generator has been switched off. A fixed time period will allow for sufficient dissipation of the remaining by-products without the user having to manually switch off the air flow generator.
- These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a cold plasma device for treating a surface in the region of a cold plasma generator, the cold plasma device is in an operational position against a user's skin; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a first example cold plasma device for treating a surface, showing a cold plasma generator for treating a surface and an air flow generator; -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second example cold plasma device for treating a surface, showing a cold plasma generator for treating a surface and an air flow generator; -
FIG. 4 shows an end view of the cold plasma device ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a third example cold plasma device for treating a surface, showing a cold plasma generator for treating a surface and an air flow generator; -
FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a fourth example cold plasma device for treating a surface, showing a cold plasma generator for treating a surface and an air flow generator; and, -
FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a fifth example cold plasma device for treating a surface, showing a cold plasma generator for treating a surface and an air flow generator. - The
cold plasma device 13 ofFIG. 1 comprises ahousing 4 that holds acold plasma generator 14. Thecold plasma device 13 further includes aspacer element 5 that, when thecold plasma device 13 is in use, acts to space thecold plasma generator 14 from thesurface 6 being treated. Thespacer element 5 effectively constitutes a treatment head that is placed against thesurface 6 during use of thedevice 13. In alternative examples, thespacer element 5 may not be placed in contact with thesurface 6 during use of thedevice 13, but rather held a distance from thesurface 6. - The term cold plasma is used to describe plasmas at an ion temperature that is less than about 100 degrees Celsius, and is therefore suitable for use on and around people, particularly on skin. The ion temperature is the temperature of the ions and the neutral molecules after being thermalized. The ionization level is about one molecule in one million. Therefore by collisions with other molecules ions reach thermal equilibrium, i.e. they are thermalized. In the treatment of skin, the temperature rise will be at maximum a few degrees. However, for cleaning other surfaces more energy can be used and the temperature can reach 100 degrees.
- The
cold plasma generator 14 of the example ofFIG. 1 comprises afirst electrode 1, asecond electrode 3, and adielectric material 2 disposed between the first andsecond electrodes FIG. 1 , thecold plasma generator 14 extends across thehousing 4 so that it is substantially parallel with anend face 15 of thespacer element 5. In this way, thecold plasma generator 14, particularly thesecond electrode 3, is substantially evenly spaced from thesurface 6 during use (depending on the characteristics of thesurface 6 being treated). When the device is being used to treat skin, doming of the skin may occur but thesecond electrode 3 will remain substantially parallel to a plane that is characterised by the average surface normal. - The
cold plasma generator 14 is connected to a power supply (17, seeFIG. 2 ) within thedevice 13 such that a voltage is generated across the first andsecond electrodes dielectric material 2 acts to insulate thefirst electrode 1 from thesecond electrode 3. - The above-described structure of the cold plasma generator is termed a dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma generator. A pulsed or alternating voltage with amplitude of several kilovolts is applied across the
first electrode 1 and thesecond electrode 3. Thedielectric material 2 prevents direct discharge between thefirst electrode 1 and thesecond electrode 3. Instead, filaments (micro-discharges) are generated between thedielectric material 2 and thesecond electrode 3. These filaments are created by the ionisation of molecules present between the first andsecond electrodes second electrodes - In this way, ionised reactive species are generated from the air between the first and
second electrodes - The skilled person will appreciate that the
cold plasma generator 14 may have an alternative structure. For example,US20140147333 describes two alternative arrangements of cold plasma generators. A first example is a surface micro discharge cold plasma generator in which the dielectric material fills the entire space between the first and second electrodes. Another example is a self-sterilizing surface cold plasma generator, in which the first and second electrodes are embedded in dielectric material, and so the filaments are emitted from a surface of the dielectric material. - Moreover, the skilled person will appreciate that cold plasma can be generated within a fluid that is not air, as described above. For example, other gasses can be provided to the space between the
dielectric material 2 and thesecond electrode 3, and these gasses would be ionised by thecold plasma generator 14 and create reactive species. Such other gasses could be provided from a compressed gas source. - In the examples of
FIG. 2 to FIG. 7 , thecold plasma device 13 has a cold plasma generator of any of the types described above, and further comprises anair flow generator 8, for example a fan. Theair flow generator 8 is adapted to generate an air flow over thesurface 6 being treated during use of thecold plasma device 13. Acontroller 9 is provided to control operation of theair flow generator 8. - In one example, the
controller 9 is configured to control operation of theair flow generator 8 to generate air flow over thesurface 6 after treatment has been completed, to dissipate odorous by-products of the cold plasma. The air flow created by theair flow generator 8 may be towards thesurface 6 or away from thesurface 6. - In the example of
FIG. 2 , the air flow generator is afan 8. As shown, thecold plasma device 13 includes ahousing 4,spacer element 5 andcold plasma generator 14 as previously described with reference toFIG. 1 . - The
fan 8 is located at anend 16 of thehousing 4 which is opposite to thespacer element 5, and thatend 16 of the housing is provided with aninlet 7 to permit air to flow from thefan 8 through theend 16 of thehousing 4 to atmosphere (or vice versa). Theend 16 of thehousing 4 adjacent to thefan 8 may be provided with a protective grid havingmultiple inlets 7 that permit air flow while protecting thefan 8. - Between the
fan 8 and thecold plasma generator 14 are located other components of the cold plasma device, for example thecontroller 9 and apower supply 17. In this embodiment, thehousing 4 acts a duct for the air flow generated by thefan 8. In particular, thefan 8 generates an air flow from / to thesurface 6 being treated via thehousing 4 andspacer element 5. - Optionally, as shown in
FIG. 2 thecold plasma device 13 may also include afilter 10. In this example, thefilter 10 is disposed between thefan 8 and thesurface 6 being treated. Therefore, if thefan 8 is operated to generate an air flow away from thesurface 6, the air flow is filtered by thefilter 10 before reaching thefan 8 to remove any by-products of the cold plasma being carried in the air flow.In alternative arrangements, afilter 10 may be provided on an opposite side of thefan 8 to that shown inFIG. 2 , such that thefan 8 is disposed between thefilter 10 and thesurface 6 being treated. In this way, air flow away from thesurface 6 is filtered after passing through thefan 8 to remove any by-products of the cold plasma being carried in the air flow, and air flow towards thesurface 6 is filtered before passing through thefan 8 so that clean air is provided to dissipate the by-products of the cold plasma. - The filter may comprise a fibrous material that traps constituents of the air flow, or it may comprise an absorbent or adsorbent substance to absorb or adsorb, respectively, constituents of the air flow. In other embodiments, the filter may include active ingredients, such as activated carbon, to filter the air flow through chemical reactions. The filter may also encompass other techniques such as photocatalytic oxidation, (PCO), UV radiation, and dry or wet scrubbing.
- In the example of
FIG. 2 , the air flow generated by thefan 8 passes through thecold plasma generator 14. - As explained previously, in the illustrated example the
cold plasma generator 14 comprises first andsecond electrodes dielectric material 2 disposed in between. In other embodiments thecold plasma generator 14 may comprise different arrangements of the first and second electrodes and dielectric material, as previously explained. - In this embodiment, the
components cold plasma generator 14 are provided withpassages 11 through which the air flow can pass. In this way, air flow generated by thefan 8 can reach thesurface 6 being treated. - In the example of
FIG. 2 , the first andsecond electrodes cold plasma generator 14 may each comprise a mesh that has a plurality ofopenings 11 through which air flow can pass. Thedieletric material 2 may also have openings distributed over its surface. -
FIG. 3 shows an example similar to the example ofFIG. 2 . In this example thecold plasma device 13 includes ahousing 4, acold plasma generator 14, afan 8 and anoptional filter 10. However, in this example at least onecomponent cold plasma generator 14 is provided with a plurality ofopenings 11 arranged around a peripheral edge of thecold plasma generator 14 within thehousing 4. This is more clearly shown inFIG. 4 . - In one example, illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thesecond electrode 3, which is disposed closest to thesurface 6 during use, comprises a mesh that allows air flow to pass through it, while thefirst electrode 1 and thedielectric material 2 are provided withopenings 11 arranged around a peripheral edge of thecold plasma generator 14, in the positions shown inFIG. 4 . Theelectrode 1 covers a slightly smaller area than thedielectric material 2 so that thedielectric material 2 overlaps theelectrode 1 around its periphery. - In another example, the
second electrode 3, disposed closest to the surface during use, comprisesopenings 11 arranged around a peripheral edge of thecold plasma generator 14, similar to those shown inFIG. 4 , while thefirst electrode 1 comprises a mesh that permits air to flow through it. Thedielectric material 2 may compriseopenings 11 arranged around a peripheral edge of thecold plasma generator 14 similar to those shown inFIG. 4 . - In all of these examples, air can flow through the
cold plasma generator 14. - By providing
openings 11 around the peripheral edge of thecold plasma generator 14, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , the function of thecomponents cold plasma generator 14 is not adversely affected. In particular, it is important for the functioning of thecold plasma generator 14 that thedielectric material 2 provides an insulative barrier between the first andsecond electrodes openings 11 around the peripheral edge of thedielectric material 2, in the positions shown inFIG. 4 , is preferable as it has least effect on the insulative function of thedielectric material 2 and there is still a uniform plasma source in a central part of the treatment head. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 5 , thecold plasma device 13 is further provided with aninternal casing 12 that surrounds at least some of the internal components of the cold plasma device 13 (e.g. thecontroller 9 and the power supply 17). Theinternal casing 12 defines a duct for the air flow that circumvents these internal components. As shown, theinternal casing 12 defines a duct that passes from theinlet 7, past thefan 8, through theoptional filter 10, around the internal components to thecold plasma generator 14. - In this example, the duct is arranged such that air flow is directly provided to a peripheral region of the
cold plasma generator 14, whereopenings 11 may be provided in a similar pattern to that shown inFIG. 4 . However, it will be appreciated that theinternal casing 12 can have a different shape such that the duct is aligned withopenings 11 in other positions on thecold plasma generator 14. Or in the case of theelectrodes cold plasma generator 14 comprising meshes, the duct may provide air flow directly to the entire surface of thecold plasma generator 14. - In the examples of
FIG.6 and FIG. 7 , thecold plasma device 13 is arranged such that the air flow does not pass directly through thecold plasma generator 14, but rather around thecold plasma generator 14. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , thecold plasma device 13 of these examples is provided with aninternal casing 12 that defines a duct, similar to that ofFIG. 5 . However, in these examples the duct extends past the peripheral edge of thecold plasma generator 14 so that the air flow bypasses thecold plasma generator 14. One ormore openings 11 are provided in the end of the duct, in this example between theinternal casing 12 and thespacer element 5, so that air can flow between thesurface 6 being treated and thefan 8. - As shown in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , thecold plasma generator 14 is mounted to theinternal casing 12 such that the duct defined by theinternal casing 12 can bypass thecold plasma generator 14. - In the example of
FIG. 6 , theopenings 11 at the end of the duct are directed towards theend 15 of thespacer element 5, and therefore towards thesurface 6 during treatment. - In the example of
FIG. 7 , theopenings 11 in the end of the duct are directed across the surface of thecold plasma generator 14, so that the air flows in a direction across thesurface 6.. - As mentioned previously, the
controller 9 is configured to control operation of theair flow generator 8 such that theair flow generator 8 generates an air flow over thesurface 6 being treated after the treatment has been completed. - In the above examples the
air flow generator 8 has been described as a fan. However, the skilled person will understand that theair flow generator 8 may alternatively be a blower, a displacement pump, a screw pump, a bladeless fan, vacuum or any other component that can create an air flow. - In each of the examples of
FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 , thecontroller 9 can be configured to operate theair flow generator 8 such that an air flow is generated over the surface 6 (in either direction) for a fixed period of time after the treatment has been completed. In this case, theair flow generator 8 is switched on for a fixed period of time after the treatment has been cpmpleted to dissipate by-products of the cold plasma. - In these examples, the
controller 9 may be configured such that theair flow generator 8 only generates an air flow over thesurface 6 after treatment has been completed. In this case, during treatment theair flow generator 8 is switched off. - In this way, the air flow will not disturb the cold plasma treatment process by dissipating the reactive species before they have had a chance to interact with the
surface 6, but the air flow will act to dissipate the by-products of the cold plasma after the cold plasma treatment has ended. - Alternatively, the
controller 9 may be configured such that theair flow generator 8 generates an air flow during treatment, and continues to generate an air flow after t treatment has been completed. For example, theair flow generator 8 may be switched on at the same time as thecold plasma generator 14 and continue to generate an air flow after the treatment has been completed. - Alternatively, the
controller 9 may be configured such that theair flow generator 8 generates an air flow before thecold plasma generator 14 has been switched on, and also after the treatment has been completed. - Alternatively, the
controller 9 may be configured such that theair flow generator 8 starts to generate an air flow before the cold plasma generator has been switched on, continues to generate an air flow during treatment, and continues to generate an air flow after the treatment has been completed. - In each of these examples, the
controller 9 may be configured to alter an operating characteristic of theair flow generator 8 when the treatment has been completed. - For example, the
controller 9 may be configured to operate theair flow generator 8 such that a low rate of air flow is generated towards thesurface 6 during treatment. In this way, during treatment the reactive species generated by the cold plasma are urged towards thesurface 6 without being dispersed. Then, once the treatment has been completed, thecontroller 9 may be configured to operate theair flow generator 8 such that a higher rate of air flow is generated towards thesurface 6, to dissipate by-products of the cold plasma. - In an alternative example, the
controller 9 may be configured to operate theair flow generator 8 such that a low rate of air flow is generated towards thesurface 6 during treatment. In this way, during treatment the reactive species generated by the cold plasma are urged towards thesurface 6 without being dispersed. Then, once the treatment has been completed, thecontroller 9 may be configured to operate theair flow generator 8 such that an air flow is generated away from the surface 6 (i.e. the direction of theair flow generator 8 is reversed), to dissipate the by-products of the cold plasma. The rate of the air flow way from the surface 6 (after the treatment has been completed) may be higher than the rate of the air flow towards thesurface 6 during treatment. - In some examples, the
controller 9 is configured to determine when the treatment has been completed based on when thecold plasma generator 14 has been switched off. - In alternative examples, the
cold plasma device 13 of any of the examples described with reference toFIG. 1 to FIG. 7 , further comprises asensor 18 that is adapted to detect when thecold plasma device 13 is positioned in contact with or proximate to thesurface 6. - The
sensor 18 may be a contact sensor or a proximity sensor, arranged to detect contact and/or proximity of thecold plasma device 13 to thesurface 6. Examples of contact sensors include switches that are depressed on contact, electronic or optical contact sensors. An example of proximity sensor is a light source (e.g. an LED) and a sensor that measures the reflection of that light from the surface (more light is reflected the closer the surface is to the sensor). Alternatively, where the surface being treated has a temperature above ambient (e.g. skin), a proximity sensor may comprise an infrared temperature sensor or a capacitive sensor. - In some examples, as shown in
FIG. 2 andFIG. 6 , thesensor 18 may be disposed on thespacer element 5. However, it will be appreciated that thesensor 18 may alternatively be located elsewhere within the cold plasma device, particularly if thesensor 18 is a proximity sensor that can work at a distance from thesurface 6. It will be appreciated that multiple contact and/or proximity sensors can be used on the same device. - Preferably, the
sensor 18 is in communication with thecontroller 9, and thecontroller 9 is configured to control thecold plasma generator 14 and /or theair flow generator 8 in dependence on a signal from the sensor. - For example, when the
sensor 18 detects that thecold plasma device 13 is positioned in contact with or adjacent to thesurface 6 then thecontroller 9 may switch on thecold plasma generator 14 to start treating thesurface 6. Additionally, thecontroller 9 may be configured to switch theair flow generator 8 on or off, or change its operating characteristics, when thesensor 18 detects that thecold plasma device 13 is positioned in contact with or adjacent thesurface 6, depending on which of the above-described options is used. - Then, when the
cold plasma device 13 is moved away (partially or completely) from thesurface 6 thesensor 18 detects this and thecontroller 9 may be configured to switch off thecold plasma generator 14. - Further, the
controller 9 may be configured to switch on, or change an operating characteristic, of theair flow generator 8 when thesensor 18 detects that thecold plasma device 13 is moved away (partially or completely) from thesurface 6. In particular, thecontroller 9 may be configured to control operation of theair flow generator 8 to generate an air flow over thesurface 6 after thesensor 18 detects that thetreatment head 5 has been removed from thesurface 6. That is, thesensor 18 is used to detect when the treatment has been completed, based on whether or not thetreatment head 5 is in a position for treatment. - In an alternative example, the
controller 9 is configured to control operation of theair flow generator 8 in dependence on whether thecold plasma device 14 is switched on or off. - In another example, the
controller 9 is configured to control theair flow generator 8 based on a combination of whether thecold plasma generator 14 is switched on or off, and whether thesensor 18 detects that thetreatment head 5 is in a position relative to thesurface 6 for treating thesurface 6. - Therefore, the
controller 9 is able to determine when the treatment has been completed in three ways: - when the
treatment head 5 has been removed from the surface 6 (as detected by the sensor 18); - when the
cold plasma generator 14 has been switched off; or - when the
cold plasma generator 14 has been switched off and when thetreatment head 5 has been removed from thesurface 6. - In the embodiments described above the
cold plasma device 13 is used to treat asurface 6. In specific examples, thecold plasma device 13 may be used to treat skin, for example human skin. In one example, thecold plasma device 13 is a deodorising device for treating an armpit to inactivate bacteria that give rise to body odour. - In other specific examples, the
cold plasma device 13 may be for disinfection of articles, such as toothbrushes, shaver heads, medical equipment or similar. Alternatively, thecold plasma device 13 may be for disinfecting surfaces, for example in hospitals or in kitchens. - The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the scope of the technique approaches of the present invention. It remains, that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
- Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims (15)
- A cold plasma device (13) for treating a surface (6) with cold plasma, the device (13) comprising:a cold plasma generator (14) adapted to generate cold plasma that produces reactive species for treating said surface (6);a treatment head (5) positionable relative to said surface (6) such that said reactive species are imparted toward said surface (6) during treatment;an air flow generator (8) configured to generate an air flow over said surface (6);wherein the air flow generator (8) is a fan and,a controller (9) configured to control operation of the air flow generator (8) to generate an air flow over said surface (6) after said treatment of said surface (6) has been completed such that remaining by-products of the cold plasma are dissipated.
- The cold plasma device of claim 1, wherein the controller (9) is configured to control the air flow generator (8) to generate an air flow over said surface (6) only after said treatment has been completed.
- The cold plasma device of claim 1, wherein the controller (9) is configured to control the air flow generator (8) to generate an air flow over said surface (6) during said treatment.
- The cold plasma device of claim 3, wherein the controller (9) is configured to alter an operating characteristic of the air flow generator (8) after said treatment has been completed.
- The cold plasma device of claim 4, wherein the controller (9) is configured to increase the power of the air flow generator (8) when said treatment has been completed.
- The cold plasma device of claim 4, wherein the controller (9) is configured to reverse the direction of the air flow generator (8) after said treatment has been completed.
- The cold plasma device of any preceding claim, wherein the device (13) further comprises a sensor (18) adapted to detect when the treatment head (5) is positioned in contact with or proximate to said surface (6), the controller (9) being configured to switch on the cold plasma generator (14) in response to a signal from the sensor (18).
- The cold plasma device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device (13) further comprises a sensor (18) adapted to detect when the treatment head (5) is positioned in contact with or proximate to said surface (6), the controller (9) being configured to control operation of the air flow generator (8) to generate an air flow over said surface (6) after the sensor (18) detects that the treatment head (5) has been removed from said surface (6).
- The cold plasma device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller (9) is configured to control operation of the air flow generator (8) to generate an air flow over said surface (6) after said cold plasma generator (14) has been switched off.
- The cold plasma device of any preceding claim, wherein the air flow generator (8) is adapted to generate a flow of air towards said surface (6).
- The cold plasma device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air flow generator (8) is adapted to generate a flow of air away from said surface (6).
- The cold plasma device of any preceding claim, wherein the cold plasma generator (14) is mounted in the treatment head (5), and wherein the treatment head (5) is adapted such that during treatment the cold plasma generator (14) is proximate to, and spaced from, said surface (6).
- The cold plasma device of claim 12, wherein the cold plasma generator (14) comprises an aperture (11) through which the air flow generated by the air flow generator (8) can pass.
- The cold plasma device of claim 12, further comprising a duct arranged to guide the air flow generated by the air flow generator (8), and wherein the duct bypasses the cold plasma generator (14) and comprises an aperture (11) disposed within the treatment head (5).
- The cold plasma device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller (9) is configured to control the air flow generator (8) such that an air flow over said surface (6) is maintained for a fixed time period after said treatment has been completed.
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EP16161743 | 2016-03-22 | ||
PCT/EP2017/056602 WO2017162614A1 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | Cold plasma device for treating a surface |
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EP3434080A1 EP3434080A1 (en) | 2019-01-30 |
EP3434080B1 true EP3434080B1 (en) | 2020-03-18 |
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US (1) | US10849215B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3434080B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6535141B2 (en) |
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BR (1) | BR112018069003A2 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2716708C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017162614A1 (en) |
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- 2017-03-21 RU RU2018136884A patent/RU2716708C1/en active
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- 2017-03-21 JP JP2018549341A patent/JP6535141B2/en active Active
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CN108886866B (en) | 2021-04-27 |
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BR112018069003A2 (en) | 2019-01-22 |
JP2019511817A (en) | 2019-04-25 |
CN108886866A (en) | 2018-11-23 |
JP6535141B2 (en) | 2019-06-26 |
US20190104605A1 (en) | 2019-04-04 |
EP3434080A1 (en) | 2019-01-30 |
RU2716708C1 (en) | 2020-03-16 |
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